Vietnam launches aid fund for severe crash injuries

People left severely injured in road accidents in Vietnam may receive up to VND100 million under a new assistance policy taking effect on 1 September, with smaller payments available to other victims and bereaved families facing financial hardship.

Support linked to injury severity

The scheme will be financed through the Road Accident Damage Reduction Fund, which is intended to mobilise social resources and support work aimed at reducing the consequences of traffic accidents nationwide.

Victims assessed as having bodily injuries of more than 31 per cent but less than 81 per cent may receive up to VND10 million per accident if they are experiencing financial difficulty. Families facing hardship after a relative dies in a traffic accident may qualify for up to VND20 million per case.

The maximum VND100 million payment applies to victims with bodily injuries above 81 per cent and is intended to help with community reintegration and continued development. The Traffic Police Department stressed that all figures are maximum amounts rather than automatic awards.

Rescuers may also receive assistance

Organisations and individuals who directly assist victims, provide emergency treatment or transport injured people to medical facilities can also be supported. The limit is VND10 million per case for an organisation and VND5 million for an individual.

Actual payments will depend on the submitted evidence, the circumstances and the applicable regulations. Applications may be lodged in person, online or by post with designated Traffic Police Department units or provincial and municipal traffic police divisions.

The receiving authority must check an application's validity within two working days. When the documents are complete, officials will prepare a disbursement request under the prescribed process and deadlines. Authorities are also expected to identify eligible people proactively and prepare applications where appropriate.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

Foreign residents and visitors should not assume the new fund replaces travel, vehicle or medical insurance. Eligibility and payment will depend on the rules and supporting documents for each case. Anyone involved in a serious accident should obtain the police record, medical assessments, hospital invoices and identification documents, and ask the relevant traffic police division which application channel applies. Foreigners who provide emergency help may also wish to retain evidence of what they did and any costs incurred. The fund accepts voluntary cash and in-kind contributions from organisations and individuals in Vietnam and abroad.

14 August 2026